If you know me, you absolutely know my favorite time of year. And if you don’t know me, it’s NOW! I live for September 1. Every year. Now I know that is technically not the start of fall. But for me, it is. It’s like I become a different person from August 31 to September 1. Bye bye beach balls, hello pumpkins. Some may say I’m crazy, but I prefer passionate.
There is something about the colors, the change in weather, the fact that it’s acceptable to now display all of my fall decor, despite the fact that it may have already been on display in my house in late August, that gets my juices flowing. Honestly, I would have pumpkins around my house all year long if I could.
I realized one day when I looked around my house that my house is actually decorated in fall-like colors. The walls in my kitchen and living room are a chocolate brown. I have reddish-orange throw pillows on my couch. The downstairs bathroom vanity is also similar in color, with chocolate brown geometric wallpaper on the walls. I realize that this may sound a bit Halloween-ish. I promise it’s not. It’s lovely, in my opinion. And hopefully my husband’s. Although I’m pretty sure he had different plans. But it’s been eight years, so he definitely loves it. I think.
I’m one of those weirdos who isn’t a huge fan of July and August. Don’t hate me. I’ll take 65-degree weather with a sweatshirt any day over 109-degree weather dripping in sweat wearing no sleeves. I love sleeves. Personal preference. Not for everyone. Bring on the fires, blankets, crunching leaves, naked trees, pants, scarves, boots, and sweaters. It all makes me so happy.
So where am I going with this fall obsession. We are now almost in the last quarter of this godforsaken year. Can you even believe it? I absolutely can and cannot at the exact same time. At any rate, I’m still consistently trying to focus on things that bring me joy and can allow my brain my shut out some of the craziness of life right now. And fall is one of those things. Taking my kids to pumpkin patches, drinking far too many pumpkin drinks, picking out Halloween costumes, starting to get excited for Thanksgiving and Christmas. In years past, I had felt this joy, but this year, September 1 was a massive milestone for my mental health. I know it sounds cuckoo, but it’s true! It’s as if I know I will be alright through the rest of this year, because it is my favorite time.
The fall bead may not actually have anything to do with fall. I don’t know how, but there are people out there that do not like this time of year. But the overall message is the same. Whether it’s the season or something entirely different, try and find something that brings you joy. A new TV show, a new outfit even if you don’t have anywhere to wear it, an old book, sit on your porch, identify cloud animals with your kids. Hell, identify cloud animals by yourself. It’s really fun.
We have almost made it, friends. 2020 will soon be in our rear view mirror, and we will all be stronger for it. In the meantime, go get some pumpkins.